The 25-year-old, who was selected in Didier Deschamps’ national side for the European Championship this summer, has a release clause in his contract with the Foxes, and could join new signing Granit Xhaka at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Wenger did little to allay the rumours, admitting his fondness of his compatriot.

“I admire and like N’Golo Kante a lot – it gives you ideas,” he said. “He gives you the feeling that the higher the level he plays at, the more at ease he is. We are talking about numbers. He has the most interceptions in Europe and by far.

“He has incredible quality. He feels the game, only very few people can do that. He’s always where he needs to be. It is very rare to have that in the central midfielder. Not always orthodox, but always in the right place.”